Where to start at 42

[Cornishbelle]

Just wondering where I should start with trying to help my symptoms

I'm 42 and have noticed symptoms for around 4 years. At first I thought it was postpartum bleeding and settling down, as I was getting very heavy periods

I have pcos and so am used to irregular cycles however over the last couple of years they have become more regular despite me steadily gaining weight which has in the past sent my periods awol

In the last two years I have also had

Extreme tiredness
Frequent thrush/bv
Loss of libido
Onion smelling body odour
Joint pain
General puffy and bloated
Feel ancient
Tingly hand and feet
Insomnia
Periods of feeling quite depressed, then angry and irritated
Brain fog at times I just sit spaced out
I've become rather outspoken lol

Sorry that does not make nice reading. Looking back now it seems likely this is peri etc. My cycles are still fairly regular do not seem to be as heavy anymore.

At first after my youngest was born I put it down to postpartum, even the hand tingles as i had carpal tunnel i my pregnancies. I then thought a bit of mild pnd, it seems to take me 3-4 years to regain myself after a baby particularly my metabolism and joie de vivre for want of a better phrase. But 4 years on I see no return of the me I recognise this time

I'm already very overweight and borderline if not undiagnosed diabetic but I feel almost defeated before I start hearing all the stories if gp being dismissive etc. I want to do as much as I can to help myself but again nit sure where to start.

Any help please?

Hello. Yes that's a long list, what fun!!!!

I am 47 almost 48 and think....

Generally taking care of yourself. Taking BETTER care. What does that mean to you?

Start on Menopace vitamins.

Get more rest if at all possible.

The irritability and outspokeness, that's part and parcel of it. Insert stuff here about wisdom and crones and power. Also could it be that declining oestrogen equals less inclination to tolerate shit? And care take everyone??

You'll not stop it. Roll with it.

They say diet and exercise. I fast, that works best for me.

In general, enter this phase boldly and take stock. Make the changes. It doesn't go back to how it used to be.

Thank you that is great advice. Silly as it sounds I hadn't really thought of the fact that things won't change back to how they were. I was wrapped up in waiting for my body to feel right again after the birth of my youngest and didn't realise perimenopause had snuck in there while I was waiting!

Got a good book out from the library yesterday called balance your life it's co written by jodie kidd and seems aimed at these sorts of goals. So I'm going to use this as a framework to get into a bit of a self care routine. No point complaining it's boring or hard work, better than feeling like shit all the time!

OP, there's a lot going on here and yes, you do need to take better care of yourself. However, if you believe yourself to be borderline or un-diagnosed diabetic, please go and see your GP and get tested for this. It is EXTREMELY dangerous to be an un-diagnosed diabetic who is not receiving treatment or management of the condition.

Being very overweight will have all kinds of impacts on how you feel and could be behind your tiredness and joint pain, however these are also both symptoms of peri-menopause and you may find that being put on HRT helps with energy levels, joint pain, tiredness and weight management. All are things you should discuss with your doctor.